Rex Energy (REXX) (SUN) (GPOR) (ETR) (LNG) (NEE) Ratings, Price Targets

Rex Energy (NASDAQ: REXX), Sunoco Incorporated (NYSE: SUN), Gulfport Energy Co. (NASDAQ: GPOR), Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR), Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG) and NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) ratings and price targets.

Rex Energy (REXX) had its price target raised by Rodman & Renshaw from $18.00 to $20.00. They have an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Sunoco Incorporated (NYSE: SUN) had its price target lowered by RBC Capital from $40.00 to $33.00. They have a “Sector Perform” rating on the company.

Wunderlich Securities initiated coverage on Gulfport Energy Co. (GPOR). They placed a “buy” rating and a $41.00 price target on the company.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) initiated coverage on Entergy Corp. (ETR). They placed an “underweight” rating on the company.

Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) initiated coverage on Cheniere Energy (LNG). They placed an “Outperform” rating on the company.

Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on NextEra Energy (NEE). They placed an “Overweight” rating on the company.

Entergy (ETR) (RKT) (SAFM) (SEE) (EVEP) (EXP) Ratings, Price Targets

Entergy Corp. (ETR), Rock-Tenn Company (RKT), Sanderson Farms (SAFM), Sealed Air Corp. (SEE), EV Energy (EVEP) and Eagle Materials, Inc. (EXP) ratings and price targets.

Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) initiated coverage on Rock-Tenn Company (RKT). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $61.00 on the
company.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) reiterated its “Underweight” rating on Sanderson Farms (SAFM). They have a price target of $33.00 on the company.

Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Sealed Air Corp. (SEE). They placed a “Neutral” rating and a price target of $19.00 on the company.

Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) reiterated its “Buy” rating on Entergy Corp. (ETR). They have a price target of $82.00 on the company.

Oppenheimer reiterated its “Outperform” rating on EV Energy (EVEP). They have a price target of $96.00 on the company.

Sterne Agee initiated coverage on Eagle Materials, Inc. (EXP). They placed a “Neutral” rating on the company.

Ratings on (CISG) (ETR) (EV) (FNB) (HIBB) Reiterated

Ratings on CNinsure Inc. (NASDAQ: CISG), Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR), Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV), F.N.B. Corp (NYSE: FNB) and Hibbett Sports, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIBB) were reiterated by analysts.

Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC) reiterated an “underweight” rating on CNinsure Inc. (CISG). They have a price target of $10.00 on the company.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) reiterated a “neutral” rating on Entergy Corp. (ETR).

Sterne Agee reiterated a “buy” rating on Eaton Vance Corp. (EV). They have a price target of $39.00 on the company.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc reiterated an “outperform” rating on F.N.B. Corp (NYSE: FNB). They have a price target of $12.50 on the company.

Sterne Agee reiterated a “buy” rating on Hibbett Sports, Inc. (HIBB).

Ex-Dividend for (DHI) (ECF) (ETR) (FBMS) is May 10

The ex-dividend date for D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI), Ellsworth Fund Ltd (AMEX:ECF), Entergy Corp (NYSE:ETR) and First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:FBMS) is May 10.

D.R. Horton (DHI) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.04 with a yield of 1.30 percent.

Ellsworth Fund Ltd (ECF) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.06 with a yield of 3.10 percent.

Entergy Corp (NYSE:ETR) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.83 with a yield of 4.80 percent.

First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:FBMS) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.04 with a yield of 1.70 percent.

Price Targets on (CPN) (CRI) (EGLE) (ETR) (FLIR) Updated by Analysts

Calpine (NYSE: CPN), Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE: CRI), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (NASDAQ: EGLE), Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR) and FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) get price targets updated today by analysts.

Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) raised their price target on Calpine (CPN) from $18.75 to $19.50.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) raised their price target on Carter’s, Inc. (CRI) from $30.00 to $33.00. They have a “hold” rating on the company.

Citigroup cut their price target on Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (EGLE) from $4.50 to $4.00.

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) cut their price target on Entergy Corp. (ETR) from $73.00 to $70.00. They have a “hold” rating on the company.

Needham & Company raised their price target on FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR) from $35.00 to $42.00. They have a “buy” rating on the company.

Dividend Yields for (PNW) (ETR) (NI) (SCG) (ED)

Indicated dividend yields for Standard & Poor's 500 Index companies Pinnacle West Capital Corp (PNW), Entergy Corp (ETR), NiSource Inc (NI), SCANA Corp (SCG) and Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) .

These dividend data indicate dividend yields of companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index as of Saturday, April 30. The yield is determined by taking the latest declared dividend, annualized and divided by the price of the stock. Payout ratios are calculated based on latest quarterly dividend paid divided by earnings.

Pinnacle West Capital Corp (PNW) has a dividend yield of 4.84 percent on a declared dividend of $0.53. The payout ratio is 809.5 percent.

Entergy Corp (ETR) has a dividend yield of 4.77 percent on a declared dividend of $0.83. The payout ratio is 65.5 percent.

NiSource Inc (NI) has a dividend yield of 4.73 percent on a declared dividend of $0.23. The payout ratio is 179.0 percent.

SCANA Corp (SCG) has a dividend yield of 4.67 percent on a declared dividend of $0.48. The payout ratio is 48.5 percent.

Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) has a dividend yield of 4.61 percent on a declared dividend of $0.60. The payout ratio is 73.9 percent.

Entergy (ETR) Sues to Keep Nuclear Plant Open

Entergy (NYSE:ETR) has sued the state of Vermont over the proposed closure of its nuclear power plant after being granted a 20-year license extension from federal regulators.

This is an issue because Vermont has a law on the books which says both houses of its legislature have to give approval before a state license can be issued to continue operating.

The company is filing the suit on the basis the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states have no authority over the licensing of nuclear plants. Entergy also contends Vermont may be interfering with federal authority in regard to the regulation of wholesale power.

In what will be an interesting and enlightening battle, Entergy's suit sets up a legal confrontation over whether the state or federal government has the final say in nuclear plant licensing.

Entergy was trading at $66.90, gaining $0.93, or 1.41 percent, as of 1:17 PM EDT.

Entergy (ETR) Attracts No Interest in Nuclear Plant Sale

Entergy (NYSE:ETR) has decided the end its quest to sell its nuclear plant in Vermont, as the state has yet to renew its operating license there, even though federal authorities have done so via the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which recently renewed it for 20 years.

Also concerning selling its power to the largest utilities in the state, Entergy has failed there as well, unable to come to an agreement with most of them, although it did secure a deal with Vermont Electric Cooperative Inc., the third-largest electric company in the state.

In that deal they agreed to sell Vermont Electric power for 4.9 cents per kilowatt hour for the first year of a contract extending 20 years. After that prices will fluctuate based on the market.

The caveat there is that the plant must be operational after 2012, something that is far from certain at this time.

Political winds are now against the company in that regard.

Entergy closed Wednesday at $68.00, gaining $0.67, or 1.00 percent.

Nuclear Risk in (GE), (ETR), and (SHAW)

The widening nuclear disaster in Japan has caused many of the world’s governments to take a closer look at their plans to expand nuclear power generation. Germany’s decision to shut down seven plants reflects a dramatic shift in policy by Chancellor Angela Merkel. Even countries like India and China, who seem to have fewer alternative ways to meet their burgeoning power needs, are also taking a second look (for safety and not strategy).

Though General Electric (NYSE:GE), Entergy Corp. (NYSE:ETR), and Shaw Group (NYSE:SHAW) also have considerable non-nuclear revenue sources, a decline in nuclear power plant construction would have a significant negative impact on all three.

General Electric Co. (GE) was looking to expand its $1 billion nuclear-related service business, but its involvement in the now-crippled Japanese power plants makes this expansion less likely. Looking at the last ten years of price action, GE shows a clear pattern of lower highs and lower lows. It was a $60 stock in 2000, but fell to $42 in 2007, and recently peaked just over $21.

General Electric closed Wednesday at $18.95, falling $0.66, or 3.37 percent. Entergy closed at $66.65, down $1.84, or 2.69 percent. Shaw ended the session at $32.83, down $1.31, or 3.84 percent.





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Southern Co (SO), Entergy (ETR), Exelon (EXC), GE (GE) Face Nuclear Changes

Southern Co (NYSE:SO), Entergy (NYSE:ETR), Exelon (NYSE:EXC), GE (NYSE:GE), and others, are all in the spotlight as concerns over vulnerability in nuclear facilities has been heightened from the challenges now being faced in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami.

Eleven U.S. utilities, including those listed above, own similar reactors in 14 states. Most of them are operating beyond their initial 40-year licenses and have been granted 20-year extensions by federal regulators.

The Japanese crisis, in which problems at four reactors have led to dangerous releases of radiation in the surrounding area, could lead to safety-related changes at similar U.S. plants. Operators said that, even if they're not ordered to make changes by regulators, they might do so to restore public trust.

U.S. regulations require plant owners to make sure plants can survive any expected threat, even if that means they have to retrofit facilities that already have licenses.

At this time there isn't any clarity as to the problems connected to Japan's nuclear reactors, other than the fact of an 8.9 earthquake wreaking the havoc, along with the ability to be able to restore power quicker than Japan was able to; about the only thing understood at this time concerning its challenges.

According to General Electric, modifications were made to Mark I structures, at least in the U.S., in the 1980s after tests of Mark III designs exposed weaknesses common to all the structures. GE said it suggested similar changes in Japanese units but was still trying to determine if they were made, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Exelon closed Wednesday at $39.95, falling $1.39, or 3.36 percent. Entergy closed at $66.65, down $1.84, or 2.69 percent. Southern Company closed at $36.80, dropping $0.21, or 0.57 percent. General Electric closed at $18.95, losing $0.66, or 3.37 percent.




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Entergy (ETR), PG&E (PCG), Edison International (EIX) Focus of Uncertain Risk Factors

Even though it's ignorant of politicians to act as if they have something to do with the nuclear industry because of an unprecedented earthquake in Japan that hasn't' been seen in well over a century, that hasn't stopped those attempting to curry political favor to comment on the event.

Media outlets are also acting like the government has to somehow regulate the industry even more. Regulate it from what? Earthquakes? More people will die from the earthquake and resultant tsunami than any effects of the nuclear industry; even if there are any.

For Entergy Corp. (ETR), PG&E Corp. (PCG), Edison International (NYSE:EIX), they're apparently under scrutiny and may face delays, especially Entergy, as it seeks to renew licenses for four of its reactors. At this time Entergy operates 12 reactors at 10 sites in Arkansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, and Vermont.

Edison International closed Monday at $36.78, dropping $0.98, or 2.60 percent. Pacific Gas & Electric closed at $44.41, down $1.34, or 2.93 percent. Entergy ended the session at $70.09, down $3.60, or 4.89 percent.

Bank of America (BAC) Cuts Entergy (ETR), Scana (SCG) on Japan Nuclear Issues

Challenges from the earthquake in Japan to its nuclear reactors has put pressure on a number of stocks with exposure to the industry, and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) downgraded Entergy (NYSE:ETR) and Scana (NYSE:SCG) as a result, although numerous other companies with nuclear exposure are down today.

Cuts to Entergy and Scana were based upon the probability they'll have to pay higher approval and relicensing costs in light of the nuclear power crisis and focus in Japan, said the giant bank.

Other stocks being strong affected today are General Electric (NYSE:GE), Edison International (NYSE:EIX), PG&E, Exelon (NYSE:EXC) and Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL).

Entergy is trading at $69.94, down $3.75, or 5.09 percent, as of 11:55 AM EDT. Scana was at $38.85, down $1.20, or 3.00 percent.

Entergy (NYSE:ETR) Fairly Valued Says Jefferies (NYSE:JEF)

Entergy Corp (NYSE:ETR) is fairly valued, says Jefferies (NYSE:JEF), which included the sum-of-the-parts in their summation.

Jefferies noted, "besides rate relief, lower non-fuel O&M expense at Wholesale Commodities and accretion from share repurchases, earnings benefited from favorable weather and a gain on the sale of the Harrison County CCGT plant."

They raised their full year 2010-12 EPS estimates on Entergy from $6.95, $6.60, and $6.15 to $7.09, $6.65, and $6.20. The firm is lowering their price target on the company to $76 from $78.

Jefferies reiterates a "Hold" rating on Entergy, which closed Tuesday at $73.50, down $0.27, or 0.37 percent.

FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE), PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL), Allegheny Energy (NYSE:AYE) Pressured by Dark Spread Compression

Citing challenges from dark spread compression in 2011, FBR Capital sees FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE), PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) and Allegheny Energy (NYSE:AYE) possibly being under pressure next year.

FBR said, "As we look to 2011, we believe the multiyear relative outperformance streak for regulated names could come to an end due to the impact of rising interest rates, and we continue to favor growth-oriented low “duration” names such as PG&E (NYSE:PCG)(Outperform/Top Pick) and SCANA (NYSE:SCG)(Outperform). For integrated names, the worst of the stock price adjustment could be behind us, as they are imputing roughly $4.45/MMBtu natural gas and offer attractive dividend yields compared to regulated utilities. Expectations for power market recovery will likely improve in 2011, driven by EPA regulations, more coal retirements, a promising capacity auction in PJM, and an improved natural gas outlook. Within our integrated coverage universe, we prefer Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR)(Outperform). While it is minimally exposed to power market tightening via coal retirements, it appears oversold, has a secure dividend in our opinion, and could catch a bid from any natural gas price appreciation."

Integrated Utilities Opinion

"Healing process has begun for integrated utilities. The worst of the natural gas and power price adjustments is now likely behind us. However, based on the outlook from our coal and gas teams, dark spread compression could still remain a theme in 2011, pressuring coal-heavy names such as FirstEnergy Corp. (Market Perform) and PPL Corporation (Market Perform). Also in the group is Allegheny Energy, Inc. (Not Rated) (pro forma). However, the rationalization in coal generation has begun, driven by forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and dwindling Eastern coal supply. In addition, power prices seem to be ticking up at PJM Interconnection (PJM), perhaps indicating that the higher cost of coal burn is being reflected in power markets. We see no indication in the 2013 PJM forwards that widespread plant retirements are being anticipated."

FirstEnergy was trading at $36.37, up $0.09, or 0.25 percent, as of 12:21 PM EST. PPL Corporation was trading at $26.01, down $0.02, or 0.08 percent. Allegheny Energy was trading at $ 23.75, up $0.08, or 0.34 percent.